Bashtabya Castle: A Symbol of Mosul's Resilience

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Explore the historic ruins of Bashtabya Castle in Mosul, a 12th-century fortress on the Tigris River, and a symbol of the city's enduring spirit.

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Bashtabya Castle

Bashtabya Castle, also known as Pashtabiya Castle, is a ruined fortress dating back to the 12th century, located on the western bank of the Tigris River in Mosul. Once part of the city's historic walls, it stands as a landmark and a poignant reminder of Mosul's rich history and recent conflicts.

A brief summary to Bashtabya Castle

944C+5G6، حي الشفاء الموصل،, Mosul, The Right Coast, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the castle ruins.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle grounds involves some walking and climbing.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Mosul and the surrounding landscape from the castle.

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Getting There

Walking

From the center of Mosul, head east towards the Tigris River. You can start at the Mosul Museum located at 36.3475° N, 43.1207° E. Walk along Al-Mansour Street towards the river. After approximately 1 km, you will reach the riverbank. Turn left and continue walking north along the river for about 500 meters until you reach Al-Najaf Street. Turn right onto Al-Najaf Street and continue walking for another 1 km. You will pass by several local shops and cafes. Once you reach the intersection with Al-Khadra Street, turn left. Bashtabya Castle will be on your right, located at 944C+5G6, حي الشفاء الموصل.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Mosul. A taxi ride from Mosul city center to Bashtabya Castle typically costs around 10,000 IQD. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps like Careem may be available.

Discover more about Bashtabya Castle

Bash Tapia Castle, also known as Bashtabiya Castle or Pashtabia Castle, is a ruined fortress from the 12th century built on the right bank of the Tigris forming part of the historic city walls of Mosul in Iraq. The ruins of the castle were an important archaeological site as they were one of the few surviving parts of Mosul's walls. The castle was a landmark and a symbol of Mosul's identity.Built in the 12th century, it was one of seven castles within Mosul's city walls. The fortress sits atop a network of underground passages, with two primary gates; one leading to the west, and the other leading down to the Tigris. It was damaged by Timur in 1393 and rebuilt by the Ottoman Empire. Bash Tapia Castle played an important role in the siege of Mosul during the Ottoman–Persian War of 1743–1746. The city was defended by the Pasha of Mosul, Hajji Hossein Al Jalili.The city of Mosul was captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant on June 10, 2014, and Bash Tapia Castle was damaged in the subsequent fighting. According to reports by the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism, the castle was blown up by ISIL in April 2015. The remains of the castle were recaptured by the Iraqi Army in June 2017.Visitors to Bashtabya Castle can explore its vast grounds, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of Mosul and the surrounding landscape. The castle is not only an important historical site but also a beautiful place to enjoy the serenity of the area. You can wander through its ancient halls and imagine the stories that unfolded within its walls.